9th Edition - What does "Core" keyword on unit mean.

[Jbizzy]

What does "Core" keyword on unit mean, I've only skimmed the 9th edition codex but I can't find anything that explains what benefits a unit with "core" gets to a unit without the keyword.

Help me understand, sounds important.

[zimko]

Certain abilities only affect 'Core' units. Most of these abilities are on the datasheet for HQ choices, such as the Hive Tyrant's ability to give 'reroll 1s to hit'.

The keyword itself doesn't do anything for the unit. It simply enables other abilities to be usable on that unit.

[infornography]

Basically, Core is a keyword typically applied to the most common units in the codex. Troops and other units that are typical of that army. They get access to some buffs that more specialized units don't as a result.
Generally speaking, core is a good thing to be.

[Hive Bahamut]

Small note: Core is not at all the "Core" of armies. GW is pretty confusing to follow when some armies get 50 (Astartes) while we have 4. There is zero pattern here.

Necrons, Tau, Admech and a few others have either had it added or removed from units as well.

Basically there are just a bunch of buffs they wanted to stop functioning the way they did. I think they specifically called out Chapter Masters sitting back and buffing tanks, instead of, you know, leading the army.

If there was consistency I could enjoy it more, just a hot mess as is. While units like Crisis, or Dreadnaughts get it, some armies main punch sits behind non core paywall.

[Jbizzy]

Thanks!

I thought I was missing something more.

Just so I am clear, all hive tendril units benefit from the fleet adaptations? Unless they are spore mines etc.

[Jbizzy]

May 24, 2022 16:58:06 GMT Hive Bahamut said:

Small note: Core is not at all the "Core" of armies. GW is pretty confusing to follow when some armies get 50 (Astartes) while we have 4. There is zero pattern here.

Necrons, Tau, Admech and a few others have either had it added or removed from units as well.

Basically there are just a bunch of buffs they wanted to stop functioning the way they did. I think they specifically called out Chapter Masters sitting back and buffing tanks, instead of, you know, leading the army.

If there was consistency I could enjoy it more, just a hot mess as is.

Definitely a hot mess.

I was trying to teach friends 8th edition and included stratagems and CP. Now I think I will just play some combat patrol games using just datasheets and the rules on them, with faction rules. Save me the headache of knowing everything and trying to win against myself with stratagems..

[hivefleetkerrigan]

May 24, 2022 17:04:15 GMT Jbizzy said:

May 24, 2022 16:58:06 GMT Hive Bahamut said:

Small note: Core is not at all the "Core" of armies. GW is pretty confusing to follow when some armies get 50 (Astartes) while we have 4. There is zero pattern here.

Necrons, Tau, Admech and a few others have either had it added or removed from units as well.

Basically there are just a bunch of buffs they wanted to stop functioning the way they did. I think they specifically called out Chapter Masters sitting back and buffing tanks, instead of, you know, leading the army.

If there was consistency I could enjoy it more, just a hot mess as is.

Definitely a hot mess.

I was trying to teach friends 8th edition and included stratagems and CP. Now I think I will just play some combat patrol games using just datasheets and the rules on them, with faction rules. Save me the headache of knowing everything and trying to win against myself with stratagems..

For super basic 9e starting I'd recommend:
1. Use data sheets
2. Use sub faction and overall faction rules (ie behemoths traits and synapse)
3. Use the core strategems (command reroll, over watch, etc)
4. Just play a kill fest or take and hold a few objectives game

To add in more complexity:
1. Play a game or two adding in new faction effects (synpatic imperatives or combat doctrines)
2. Then play a game or two with a few faction strategems added in
3. Then add in all strategems and the matched play missions if desired

[Jbizzy]

May 24, 2022 19:46:50 GMT hivefleetkerrigan said:

May 24, 2022 17:04:15 GMT Jbizzy said:

Definitely a hot mess.

I was trying to teach friends 8th edition and included stratagems and CP. Now I think I will just play some combat patrol games using just datasheets and the rules on them, with faction rules. Save me the headache of knowing everything and trying to win against myself with stratagems..

For super basic 9e starting I'd recommend:
1. Use data sheets
2. Use sub faction and overall faction rules (ie behemoths traits and synapse)
3. Use the core strategems (command reroll, over watch, etc)
4. Just play a kill fest or take and hold a few objectives game

To add in more complexity:
1. Play a game or two adding in new faction effects (synpatic imperatives or combat doctrines)
2. Then play a game or two with a few faction strategems added in
3. Then add in all strategems and the matched play missions if desired

Is there an easy way to get data sheets? I am thinking printing the army list from battle scribe.

[hivefleetkerrigan]

Either the codex, the GW app, or battle scribe.

[kazetanade]

Wahapedia is always good.

[Jbizzy]

May 25, 2022 10:12:35 GMT kazetanade said:

Wahapedia is always good.

Just started using it, it's very well made and easy to read!

[purestrain]

Speaking of, who else thinks toxicrene needs the core keyword? I think it would make it a viable unit if could hit on 2+ rerolling and wound on 2+ rerolling (presuming prime with +1hit and either HT or swarmy)

[Hive Bahamut]

I don't expect Nids to gain any Core. They are very strong right now and they gave our Dread = Carnifex Core. That is all we will ever see.

If you want Core monster mash you are locked into the lore where Swarmlord just rockets Carnifex into the enemy. Which is kind of funny, but fairly limited.

[Jbizzy]

I think the toxicrene won't matter because it's a dual kit with the hot as (please do not swear) maelceptor